Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. It commonly causes inflammation and damage to the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. SLE affects women more often than men, especially during their reproductive years. The causes involve both genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis involves laboratory tests like a complete blood count, urinalysis, and antinuclear antibody test. Treatment options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs, and biologics.

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Presented by,
A.Raihanathus Sahdhiyya,
II M.Sc., Microbiology,
TBAKC

2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
An autoimmune disease
Immune system loses the ability to differentiate between
foreign cells and its own cells and tissues
attacking the body cells and tissues -
causing inflammation and tissue damage
Attacking many
organs
Disease on skin (redness)Rashes resembles that
of wolf bite

3. Environmental factors
Genetic Factors
Etiology (Factors responsible of causing SLE)
UV light, Alfalfa sprouts, Chemicals like Hydrazine, Drugs like
Resprim, smoking and infections by Parvovirus, CMV, and HMV

4. Women are affected
8 times
More often than men
90% of SLE affects WOMEN
(During their reproductive age)

5. Pathophysiology of sle:
● Immune responses against endogenous nuclear antigens are
characteristic of SLE.
● Autoantigens released by apoptotic cells are presented by dendritic
cells to T cells leading to their activation.
● Activated T cells in turn help B cells to produce antibodies to
these self-constituents by secreting cytokines such as interleukin
10 (IL10) and IL23 and by cell surface molecules such as CD40L and
CTLA-4.
● In addition to this antigen-driven T cell-dependent production of
autoantibodies, recent data support T cell-independent mechanisms
of B cell stimulation via combined B cell antigen receptor (BCR)
and TLR signaling.
● The pathogenesis of SLE involves a multitude of cells and molecules
that participate in apoptosis, innate and adaptive immune responses

6. Pathophysiology

7. Signs & symptoms
Pleuritis
Pericarditis
Arthritis
(at least 2 joints)
Malar rash
(butterfly rash)
Discoid rash
Anemia
Thrombocytopenia
leucopenia
Renal disorders
Fatigue
Joint pain
Skin rashes
Fever
Inflammation
Photosensitivity
Seizures

8. Diagnosis methods
Laboratory tests

9. Complete blood
count
This test measures the number
of RBC, WBC, and platelets as
well as the amount of
hemoglobin.
Results may indicate the
patient having anemia,which
is common in lupus.
A low WBC, and platelet count
may also occur

10. Erythrocyte
sedimentation rate
This test determines the
rate at which the RBCs
settle to the bottom of the
tube in an hour.
A faster than normal rate
may indicate SLE.
The sedimentation rate
isn’t specific for any one
disease; it may be elevated
if one has lupus, an
infection or any other
inflammatory condition or
cancer

11. Kidney & liver
assessment
Blood tests can assess how
well one’s kidneys and liver
are functioning, as lupus can
affect these organs

12. Urinalysis
An examination of a sample of
patient’s urine may show an
increased level of protein
level or RBC in the urine,
which may occur if lupus has
affected the kidneys

13. Antinuclear
antibody (ana) test
A positive test for the
presence of these
antibodies produced by the
immune system indicates a
stimulated response. While
most people with lupus
have positive ANA test,
most people with a
positive ANA do not have
lupus.
Once diagnosed with
positive ANA, doctor may
advise more specific
antibody testing

14. Diagnosis methods
Imaging tests

15. Chest X-Ray An image of patient’s chest may
reveal abnormal shadows that
suggest fluid/ inflammation in
lungs

16. Echocardiogram
This test uses sound waves to
produce real time images of
patient’s beating heart.
It can check the problems in
valves, and other portions of
heart

17. Biopsy
Lupus can harm the kidneys in
many ways and treatments can
vary, depending o the type of
damage occurred.
In some cases, it is necessary
to test a small sample of
kidney tissue to determine what
the test treatment might be.
It can be obtained with a
needle or through a small
incision

18. Treatment

19. Non-Steroidal
Anti-inflammatory
Drugs (NSAIDs)
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) and
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)
are used to treat pain and
swelling

20. Antimalarial
Drugs
Hydroxychloroquine (plaquenil)
affect the immune system and
can help decrease the risk of
lupus flares

21. Corticosteroids
Prednisone can counter the
inflammation of lupus.
High doses of steroids such as
Methylprednisolone are often
used to control kidney and
brain related disease

22. Immunosuppressant
Drugs
Immunosuppressant drugs that
suppress the immune system
may be helpful in serious
cases of lupus. Examples
include Azathioprine,
mycophenolate mofetil, and
methotrexate

23. Biologics
A different type of
medication, Belimumab
(Benlysta) administered
intravenously, also reduces
lupus symptoms
Rituximab (Rituxan) can be
beneficial in cases of
resistant lupus

24. Thank You